Pig Investigation: Spain

Spanish pig farm, 2008

Investigators were able to record the conditions of a total of 11 farms centred around Vic, one of the country’s key pig producing regions.

A range of production methods were found, from highly industrial to small scale operations. Many individual animals were in poor condition across the farms visited, suffering from injuries such as ear damage.

• In 100% of Spanish farms visited, a significant number of tail docked pigs were present
• In 100% of Spanish farms visited there was either no or ineffective environmental enrichment.

Spanish vs European pig industry: The facts

Take action

• Ask the EU to ensure that the EU Pigs Directive is enforced
• Consumers can make a difference by checking labels and demanding higher welfare.